HOW MY LOVE STORY ENDED BEFORE IT HAD EVEN STARTED (PART 5)

ANNUPAM, I JUST WANTED YOU TO KNOW, I'M HAPPY.

“Mama! Mama! Munu is pulling my hair. It’s hurting. Aah! Aah! Leave it.”

“No, I’ll not leave it. I will pull it more. Who asked you to make fun of me in front of my friends? Mama, she called me stupid, loser and useless in front of my friends.”

With a pile of files in my hand, I turned around. There were Tunu and Munu. They were pulling each other’s hair. I put the pile of files on the table and walked to them. I kneeled down just to match to their height.

“Stop! Leave each other’s hair.” I pulled their hands apart from each other’s head.

“How many times should I have to tell you two, not to fight? What are you fighting for?” I yelled.

Munu replied, “Mama, she called me an idiot and a loser in front of my friends.”

Before I could say anything, “She always acts as one. I am fed up of her silly acts.” Tunu said.

I sighed and said, “Tunu, It’s not how a good kid acts. You two are sisters. You should act as a shield for each other instead of fighting among yourselves. Do you know why God gave me twin daughters?”

Tunu and Munu both nodded their head “No.”

I embraced both of them in my arms and continued, “So that you both will never be lonely. People have to find good friends but see you two already have each other. Mama and Papa are always busy with their work. Wouldn’t you both be lonely without each other? It’s such a blessing that you have each other to live with, play with, eat with and sleep with. You don’t even have to find anyone to share your Tiffin with. You can also share your secrets with each other and share your stuffs as well. And very important thing, you can encourage each other at your low times and learn good things from each other. Do you understand what Mama is saying?”

Tunu said, “Yes, Mama. I was wrong. I will not repeat my act again. Munu, I was wrong. I am sorry.” Tunu held her ears as she said that.

“That’s like my good daughters.” I kissed them on their forehead.

“By the way, who brought you two, to my office? The driver uncle was supposed to drop you guys home?” I asked them.

“I brought them here.” He entered the room with his bright smile.

It was Aryan, the father of my kids and my better half. I am very lucky to have a husband like him. He is caring and responsible. I don’t ever remember shedding tears because of him. I know he will never stop trying to make me happy.

“That was a surprise.” I stood up.

“There is another surprise for you, Mama.” Munu said.

“Another surprise?” I repeated.

“Papa is taking us to the Chinese restaurant for dinner tonight.” Tunu replied.

I looked at Aryan. He blinked his eyes in agreement.

“See, your Papa only loves his kids, not Mama. He knows, Mama doesn’t like Chinese food at all. And still, he is taking me there for the sake of his kids.” I made faces like a kid, acting unsatisfied. After all, it was always fun to act like a kid around him and the kids.

“Isn’t that unfair kids? Your Mama judges Papa without knowing the whole fact. I ordered special Thai cuisine for her. But your Mama never realizes how much Papa loves her. Mama is always unfair when it comes to Papa.” He took the kids to his side.

“What do you say now, Mama?” Munu giggled as she asked that.

“Aww…That’s so sweet of Papa. It’s time for a family hug.” We four hugged like we never wanted to let go of each other.

We reached the restaurant. Aryan had reserved a table for us. The place was beautiful, totally relaxing after a long hectic day.

“Do you all like the place?” Aryan asked.

Both kids shouted, “Yes Papa. Love you, Papa.”

The world just seemed a little better with my kids so happy.

As Aryan was looking at me, I said, “Thank you, Aryan. You have always been such a good father. Sometimes, I feel horrible for not being able to give enough time to the kids. I feel like an irresponsible mother. And yes, you have really picked a beautiful place.”

Aryan smiled. He hold my hands and said, “Don’t worry. I understand you have a lot of pressure at work these days. I thought why not to take the kids out to a dinner? We will be able to spend a quality time together.”

I smiled. He has always been responsible.

“Your order is here, sir.” The waiter plated the table and put the order on the table.

“Wow, everything looks yummy!” The children exclaimed.

“Wait. Papa needs a happy-happy snap of his daughters.” He took few snaps and the kids were busy giving poses.  “Wow! My daughters are so beautiful.” Aryan said that as he looked at the snaps.

He asked the waiter to take a family snap. He said, “Here we go..1..2…and 3…say cheese everyone.”  And within a second, we were on his phone with all our teeth shown.

As we were having dinner, there was an announcement. The restaurant had organized for a couple dance contest for all the couples present there.

I don’t know why, but Tunu and Munu were very excited about it. Munu said, “Mama, Please you two take part in it.”

I knew they were excited because they were thinking Aryan and I would take part in it.

I replied, “I would love to, Munu, but your Papa really doesn’t know how to dance.”

“And who says that?” replied Aryan immediately.

I was confused. I thought he would say no to dance.

“Can I have the pleasure of dancing with my wife?” Aryan asked.

Tunu and Munu were hooting, “Say yes Mama… Say yes.”

And I had to go to the dance floor.

As we were on the dance floor, he put his hands around my waist and my hands were around his shoulders. A romantic song started in the background.

“I guess, the competition is for the younger couples, right?” I said.

“Are we that old?” Aryan asked.

I smiled and nodded my head, “Not at all.”

“I didn’t mean to say that. By the way, I must admit, you dance well. I said.

“I used to dance when I was in school. I even took part in some competitions in my high school.” He replied.

“Wow, there are so many things that I still don’t know about you. I guess I have a multitalented husband.” I smiled.

“You are not bad at all too.” Aryan said.

“Oh..this.. I have seen few people doing this in my zumba classes so I just know few steps.”

“Zumba classes, huh? Is that the class you go for early every morning? That’s why my wife is so fit and fine. I wonder if I look old in front of you.” Aryan said this making a sad face.

 “Old? Who said that? I overheard some young girls talking about you at the office today. And haven’t you heard the proverb, “Men and horse never get old.”

“Really?” He tried to act surprised and we both laughed together. The music stopped and we went back to our table.

“Mama, Papa, you both were awesome on the floor.” Both kids said this at once. I just played with their hair and Aryan said, “Thank you for the compliments, kids.”

The winner was going to be announced. I was shocked when the anchor called our name as the winner. Well, that was unexpected. We went to take the gift hampers that were for the winners.

I could see Tunu and Munu saying to other people, “They’re our Mama and Papa.” I was so happy to make my kids proud.

After dinner, we went back home. It was already late. I made Tunu and Munu change their clothes and made their bed. But they insisted on sleeping with their Mama and Papa. They jumped on our bed. Aryan was already there. Tunu asked Aryan to tell them some stories but he started to make random stories as he didn’t know one. I just quietly slept beside them. I looked at the other side so that I would be able to sleep. I reminded them to turn off the lights before sleeping.

I set the alarm on my phone. As I was doing that, I took a look at the photo that was so precious to me. It was of Annupam and me. Tears rolled down from my eyes as I saw it. “Annupam, you must be looking at me from somewhere right? See, I’m happy with Tunu and Munu as you wanted, though you couldn’t be their father. Aryan has always been a perfect dad and a perfect better half. He takes care of me and the kids. He is responsible and he understands me so well. What more could I have asked for in a husband? Since we got married, he has always kept me happy. But you know what, it was only you who could see through me. I had never been able to share my pains and sorrows with him, that pain that you had once seen on my face. You were my soul mate. How I wish, God had given me a chance to say how much I loved you and what you meant to me.” I couldn’t control my tears as I talked that to myself.

Suddenly, Tunu came in front of me. She saw tears in my eyes and asked, “Why are you crying, Mama?” Aryan just looked at me to confirm and asked, “What happened?”

 I nodded my head, “Nothing. It’s just that sometimes I feel that, Tunu and Munu are so happy with their Papa that they will forget me if I disappear.” I winked at them.

Aryan said,” Don’t say that.”

Munu said, “Yes, don’t say that Mama. Papa always makes us happy. We always have a good time with Papa but it’s you who teach us good aspects of life. If it wasn’t for you, how will we learn to be a good person?”

After Munu completed her words, I realized my daughters have grown up. Those words from that small mouth, it was surprising and pleasing at the same time. I felt guilty. I was lying to my angels and my better half.

Few Words For My Bestie

Yes! Peru it's you...my one and only bestie.


                                               

  Since my childhood, I wasn't an outgoing kid. I used to remain reserved almost all the time. From the time I remember, you were the one and only good friend.Until class six, I don't know but I think somehow I managed without a good friend. From grade seven, I don't know how our friendship flourished. I didn't even think we would be this close. Since grade seven till our high school, I didn't require anyone besides you. You always understood me and we were somewhat the same kind when it comes to our thoughts and beliefs.

I was always myself when I was with you. There was no feeling of competition, no jealousy and by now maybe we have shared almost all stuffs. It has been almost four years,

we are seldom in contact. Nevertheless, our friendship has grown more stronger. I don't feel ashamed to call you only when I need your help. I know you will understand. And I promise I'll be there whenever you need me. It's not just words. I promise.

Our gossips and the way we interpret things is always awesome. The way we lament about things and again act as if we are satisfied with what we have, our chitchats and our sweet talks, everything will be treasured. As today is your birthday I just wanted you to know. This blog post is especially dedicated to you. As you know, I am greedy, I couldn't find more economic way to give you your gift.

Happy Birthday to my best-est friend ever! May your troubles be as few and far between as my grandmother's teeth!

I probably don't tell you often enough, but I treasure our friendship. Friends like you make every day special! Wishing you happiness today, tomorrow, and always!

I HAVE MADE UP MY MIND

I have made up my mind,
I'll now never be kind.
I've left all those pains behind,
For now my life has become a find.

Standing at the bay in the shore,
As my life has become nothing than a bore.
Leaving every dreams that were core,
I'm starting a journey to find something more.

Everything now seems to be a mystery,
Whatever I've left behind has become a history.
I'm all set to strengthen my ministry,
Because now I no longer believe in Palmistry.


- Akrity Paudel

HOW MY LOVE STORY ENDED BEFORE IT HAD EVEN STARTED (PART 4)

# OUR FIRST OFFICIAL DATE

Ding Dong! The doorbell rang. I hurried to the door. “I’m coming.” I shouted as I opened the door. At the door, was a courier guy. He said that there was a parcel in my name, I took the parcel. It was properly wrapped in an attractive cellophane paper. I opened the parcel. There was a box inside. On the top of the box was a note that read, “I hope to see you in this dress today – with love, yours Annupam.”

I opened the box. There was a pink dress and a pair of white heels. As I was looking at the dress, I received a call. It was Annupam. I answered, “Yes.”

He said, “Don’t you ever feel like calling me? Why is it always me who has to make the call?”

I smiled and answered, “Didn’t I tell you earlier? I’m greedy. I don’t waste my money on phone calls.”

“Haha… that wasn’t funny at all. Don’t give the same lame excuse.”

“By the way, how did you know my address? I got a parcel from you.” I asked.

“Oh! Then you got it. I tracked your location from messenger. That was easy. Did you open the parcel?” he asked.

“Yes. I just opened it. What’s with the pink and white combination? I don’t like these at all. Do you think I’m a high school girl?” I tried to act as if I didn’t like his surprise at all.

He replied, “I don’t know anything. You have to come in that dress today. I have put so much effort to convince you for a date. At least, admire my effort.”

I know I was acting as if I didn’t care but that dress meant a lot to me.

He said, “I have an awesome idea. Why don’t you give me a theme so that I can dress up as you want me to? What do you say?”

“Theme? What theme?” I was confused.

“Anything..umm..like tell  me which character do you like the most on television?”, he asked.

“James Bond”, I replied.

“Ok, then, for today, I’m your James Bond. What do you say?” he asked.

“You and James Bond?  Nah! I don’t think you fit his personality.” I said.

“Ok, then, be there at the place as planned earlier and make sure you are punctual. I hate waiting. Don’t make me wait.” He said.

I replied, “Ok, see you then, bye.” I hung up the phone.

I put the dress on. It fitted me perfectly. The dress was perfect. Actually, I loved it. It perfectly flattered my curves. I was really excited about the date. It was always so special to be with him. His talks, his jokes, the way he teases me, everything about him was just so warm to the heart. I looked at our picture in my phone. We looked perfect together.

I tried to look my best in that dress. After finishing up my makeup and hair styling, I hurried to the place where he had called me.

I reached there and called him, “Where are you? I am at the gate.”

He replied, “Turn to your left and come straight to the pond. Next to the pond, there is a hut. I’m waiting for you.” He hung up the phone.

I went the way he directed. I reached the hut. The interior of the hut was amazing. As I looked around, I saw Annupam. There was a table and two chairs. Annupam was sitting on a chair and the other was empty.

Annupam was looking weird. There was something unusual about his look. He was all suited booted. He was holding a cigar and had a hat on. As I entered the hut, I said, “What’s up with the cigar? Do you smoke? And why are you wearing the hat?  I mean…”

He stood up from the chair and came towards me. He bowed before me and said, “Well, lady, I don’t smoke but for today, I’m your James Bond. And the hat, once you mentioned you like Jason Mraz . So, I thought, why not mix him up too.”

That was funny. I smiled. Before I knew, I had started blushing.

He said, “This way my lady.” and pulled the chair. I sat down. He then whispered in my ear, “You look amazingly beautiful, my 36’26’36.” I could feel his hot breath in my neck. I got a tingly sensation running through my body.

He then sat in front of me. He was looking at me. I couldn’t make an eye contact due to that tingly feeling. I was all cold. Somehow, I managed to say, “What’s that 36’26’36?”

He replied, “You have a good figure. I would give it an eight out of ten.”

I said, “I thought you were a good boy. Don’t you feel ashamed to comment on a girl’s figure?”

“What do you think? Are good boys God? Don’t they have hormones? It’s natural for a guy. Even a saint will analyze a figure when a woman passes by. And when it comes to you, I am not ashamed at all.” He replied.

Well, I didn’t find that offensive at all.

“By the way, you look handsome in that attire. Did you ever look behind you while walking? Many girls must have fainted.” I actually started flirting.

He smiled and said, “Thank you for the compliment. Actually, I was in hurry so didn’t look back at all.”

He continued, “You too look beautiful, hot, sexy, elegant, gorgeous….ummm….Oops! I forgot all those mugged up compliments. Next time I’ll try to remember them all by heart.”

“Wh..at? That was rude.” I said angrily.

He then gave me a bouquet of rose and said, “These are for you. Before I could say anything he said, “Don’t say you don’t like flowers because they fade away. Although they fade away, their memories could last forever.”

“You perfectly know how to play with words. These flowers are really beautiful like your words.” I said.

“I have something more.” He gave me a small box.

“Shall I open it?” I asked.

“Sure.” He replied.

 I opened the box. There was a beautiful chain. “It is beautiful.” I said.

He said, “That belonged to my mom. As she is no more, it’s you and my sister who own her things now. As I don’t know where my sister is, it is….”

I interrupted, “What do you mean by you don’t know where your sister is?”

He replied, “Actually, she was in love with a guy. The guy didn’t belong to the same caste. My mother was strict when it came to culture; she was totally against their relationship. So, she eloped with the guy she loved. Since then she hasn’t been in contact.”

I said, “I am sorry.”

He interlocked his fingers with mine and said, “That’s fine. She must be doing well with the guy she loved and I’m doing well with the girl I love.” He kissed my fingers. I could feel my heart beat getting faster than ever before.

After a while, I looked at the chain and said, “Well, as our date is getting totally filmy, why don’t you put it on me?” I smiled.

He said, “That would be my pleasure.”

I stood up and turned around. I gave him the chain. He picked it up from my hand and put it around my neck. He then rubbed his finger on my neck. I could feel his hot breath on my neck again. I felt like I was getting breathless and that my heart was about to pop out of my chest. He put his hands around my waist and turned me around. He started to move closer to me. I took a few steps back. I stopped when I felt a wall against my back. I could feel his hand slightly move down from my waist. I had shivers down my spine.

With another hand he tucked my hair in my ear. “I can feel your heartbeat. Can you feel mine?” his volume and tone lowered as he said that. I nodded my head, “Yes.”

He ran his finger from my forehead and again tucked my fringes behind my ear. I couldn’t make an eye contact so I looked down. He raised my chin and rubbed my lips with his thumb. He brought his lips closer to mine and it was the first time we kissed. Everything was perfect. Our paces matched perfectly and my mind was blank.

“Your order is here.” The waiter knocked the door although it was open. I was startled and my back hit the wall again. We immediately had maintained our distance. Annupam said to the waiter, “Leave it on the table.” The waiter placed everything on the table and left.

Everything then felt a bit weird. Maybe Annupam felt awkward too. He said, “I think we should have lunch now.” I nodded my head in agreement. I served us the food. We were having our lunch when Annupam’s phone rang. He received the call. After he hung up, he said, “I’ve to go somewhere. It’s an emergency. I’ll be back in an hour. You finish up your lunch and stay here. Will you be fine?”

It must have been something very important so I said, “Don’t worry. I will be perfectly fine.”

He said, “I have something. There is a CD on the side drawer next to the television. Be sure to check it.”

I replied, “Okie.”

He then quickly kissed me on my lips. As he was about to leave, I said, “Wait.”

He turned around and looked at me. I took the tissue and erased the lipstick mark that was around his lips.

He smiled and said, “Thanks.”

I said, “Pleasure is mine. Be here as soon as you can ok. I’ll be waiting.”

He rubbed my head and blinked his eyes and left.

After he left, I took the CD and inserted it in the CD player and turned it on. The video started and there was Annupam. He said, “Hey, it is awkward right? But I couldn’t find any other way to say it. I couldn’t gather enough courage. From the day, I saw you in the party; I wanted you to be mine. But I had completely given up after the accident. When I saw you at the hospital, I had a glimpse of hope. The desire of making you mine got stronger. I know, it sounds fake, but maybe when it is the right person, we just know it. I felt like we were destined for each other. Actually, I was thinking of proposing you when I take you out on a date. But I have something to say before that. I am a business man. Today I’m doing well but luck could change its side. Today I am capable enough to earn a lot but who knows about tomorrow I could be on the street. If that time comes, I don’t know if I can really take care of you. I am not as physically capable as other guys as you already know. But again maybe the desire of making you mine has made me strong enough to believe in myself and that I will be able to take care of you properly whatever the circumstances will be. See, proposing you, I couldn’t even keep it a surprise. I wanted you to feel the pressure as I am feeling it now. Jokes apart, I really want you to think rationally about this.” The video ended.

That was too much. I mean who can predict the future? A perfectly capable person can become incapable in the future. That doesn’t mean I will leave the person for his incapability. I actually felt sad because he was still insecure.

It was already two hours and he had not returned. I called him so many times but every time it said that he was unreachable. After the third hour, I got a call from him. When I received his call, it wasn’t him on my phone. It was someone else. The unknown voice said, “The owner of the phone was hit by a car as he was crossing the road and has been taken to the hospital.”

For a moment my breath just stopped. I hurried to the hospital. I inquired about the accident and found out that the doctors were operating on him. His uncle and aunt were already there. I asked them about his condition but they didn’t know anything either. I prayed to God, “Please, make everything right.” I have never had this much fear of losing someone before. It was harsh.

The doctor came. He said that Annupam’s operation was successful. After 18 hours , he gained his consciousness. He was shifted to a cabin, few hours later.

His uncle and aunt talked to him though he couldn’t speak a word. He was just hearing what they were saying. I stood there in the room quiet, just looking at him. After a while, his uncle and aunt left the cabin for lunch asking me to look after him in their absence. After they left, I went near him and sat on a chair next his bed. It was really heartbreaking to see bandages all over his head and body. His legs and hands were plastered. He was hooked onto saline bag and the blood bag. Tears rolled down my eyes. I held his hand. “I am really afraid.” I kissed his fingers slowly as I said that. I could not control my tears. I cried out loud, “Please Annupam, never ever leave me again.”

He didn’t say a word. Maybe he was in pain. But I could see tears rolling down his eyes too. I wiped them and said, “Don’t worry. You’ll be fine. Doctors said everything went well.”

I came to the hospital every morning and left at dusk. His uncle would stay with him at night. On the fifth day after the operation, he was able to speak. I was very happy to hear the news. I rushed to the hospital. His uncle and aunt, both were very happy as well. When his uncle and aunt left the cabin for a while, I said, “I’m very happy today.”

He slowly spoke, “You were afraid, right?”

I replied, “No, not at all. I knew you were strong enough to fight through everything. Nothing could have happened to you.” I made his hair as I said that but I couldn’t look into his eyes.

He then said, “Akrity, Make a promise.”

I said, “What promise?”

He said, “Promise me, if anything ever happens to me, you’ll still live your life happily. You will have a family where there will be “Tunu” and “Munu”, even if I’ll not be their father.”

Those words were really hard for me to bear. How dare he say that? I cried and said, “Why would you say that? Nothing will happen to you. You’re already fine. Do you remember, once I promised you that I will be by your side no matter what? Then what’s the point of all these hurtful words?”

He said, “Still then.”

His uncle and aunt came. I said nothing and left the room.

The next day, when I came to the hospital, Annupam’s cabin was empty. I went to the inquiry section and asked where he was. The lady said, “He expired six hours ago from brain haemorrhage.” Those words came like an arrow and pierced my heart.

I asked to confirm, “Don’t say that. He was totally fine till yesterday. There must have been some mistake.”

“I don’t know anything ma’am but the doctor’s shift has been changed and even the patient’s dead body has been cleared by his relatives.”

I still couldn’t believe those words. I came out of the hospital.

“God, you can’t do this. I asked you for his life and instead to take mine. Annupam wanted to live then why? What was his fault? Was it that he had learnt to be happy? Or was it that you wanted to take my happiness away? If that is the case, then please I don’t want him but sent him back. How could you do this to him? That is so unfair.” I kneeled down on the floor as I murmured that to myself. I couldn’t stop the tears from my eyes.

“Please Annupam, come back. You can’t do this to me. You said you will be always here for me. I haven’t even told you how much I love you. You wanted to know the mystery in my eyes. What happened to that curiosity? Don’t you want to know it now? Please Annupam come back. You can’t leave me. You promised.” I lay down there alone lamenting on my own for everything that had happened.